Clamping Pressure Monitoring in Electrode Slipping Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

In electrode slipping devices used in electric arc furnaces, improper operation of clamping cylinders can lead to deformation and breakage of self-baking electrodes due to inconsistent clamping pressure, which is not effectively monitored by existing systems.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the mounting of a force sensor, such as a strain gage or load cell, on the pressing piece of the clamping cylinder to measure and monitor the clamping pressure exerted by the clamping shoe, ensuring consistent and controlled pressure application.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If clamping pressure is increased to prevent electrode deformation, then electrode stability is improved, but the risk of electrode breakage increases due to excessive or uneven pressure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrode stabilityVSAvoidelectrode breakage risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by mounting force sensors on pressing pieces of clamping cylinders to detect actual clamping pressure in real-time. The control unit receives signals from these sensors and adjusts the clamping pressure dynamically to maintain it within a predetermined range, preventing both deformation and breakage through continuous monitoring and adjustment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of clamping pressure from fixed to variable by using force sensors to measure actual pressure and control units to adjust it dynamically. This allows the system to adapt the pressure level based on real-time conditions, ensuring optimal pressure that prevents deformation without causing breakage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If clamping pressure monitoring is implemented to ensure consistent pressure, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional sensors and control systems

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclamping pressure consistencyVSAvoidmonitoring system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses feedback through force sensors mounted on pressing pieces that detect actual clamping pressure and transmit signals to control units, enabling automatic adjustment to maintain consistent pressure without requiring complex manual monitoring systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-service by automatically monitoring and adjusting clamping pressure through integrated force sensors and control units, eliminating the need for external monitoring equipment or manual intervention to ensure pressure consistency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution allows for precise monitoring and control of clamping pressure, reducing the risk of electrode deformation and breakage by ensuring equal and consistent pressure distribution across all clamping cylinders, thereby extending the lifespan of the electrodes.

Implementation Method 1

mounting of a force sensor, such as a strain gage or load cell, on the pressing piece of the clamping cylinder to measure and monitor the clamping pressure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectStrain gage measurement: Piezoresistive Effect

Data Source

PatentUS9638590B2Method and system for measuring clamping pressure in an electrode slipping device
Publication Date: 2017.05.02 METSO METALS OY
  • US9638590B2 patent drawing
  • US9638590B2 patent drawing
  • US9638590B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method and a system for monitoring clamping pressure exerted by a clamping cylinder to an electrode in an electrode slipping device which comprises an upper annular holder ring and a lower annular holder ring, each comprising at least one clamping assembly including a clamping shoe and clamping cylinder arranged in co-operation so that the clamping shoe is forced into pressure contact with the electrode and released from pressure contact with the electrode by the action of the clamping cylinder. The measuring system comprises a force sensor (30) mounted in connection with a pressing piece (22) that transmits the force created by the clamping cylinder to the clamping shoe. The force sensor can be a strain gage (30) mounted in a cavity (25) provided in the pressing piece (22) or a load cell mounted between the pressing piece (22) and the clamping cylinder.